BACUP BOROUGH have captain David Betts back in the side following injury for tomorrow's North West Counties' League Division Two game against Colne at West View.

Also back is midfielder Mark Hurst and centre forward Lee Whitehead.

Manager Andy Barton has signed another centre forward, Alan Murray, who last season played for Rossendale United.

"It's the best squad I've got together here," said Barton.

"We won't be underestimating Colne though.

"We were in their position last season so we know all about it."

RAMSBOTTOM have signed Darryl Sloane from Accrington Stanley to avert a goalkeeping crisis at Riverside.

Mike Kelly is still out after picking up a knock in the away fixture against Ashton Town. And the reserve keeper, Jason Davis, is also injured.

Wayne Craig, who stepped in on Bank Holiday Monday, is unavailable as he plays in the Manchester League.

Central defender Phil Turner and midfielder Steve Strange both return to Ken Bridge's squad after work commitments ruled them out last Monday night.

Leek CSOB provide the opposition and Ramsbottom are confident of maintaing their unbeaten start to the season.

ROSSENDALE UNITED have two major injury doubts for tomorrow's FA Cup preliminary round tie against Castleton Gabriels at Dark Lane.

Midfielders Paul Smith and Damien McKay both face late fitness tests before manager Micky Graham names his starting line-up.

"It's a tough FA Cup tie for us but Castleton don't hold any real fears for us," said the manager. "We picked up our first league point against Penrith and that has given us real heart."

CLITHEROE hit the FA Cup trail at Trafford - but there will be no place for new signing Jon Penman.

He re-joined the Blues last weekend but was not signed in time to be eligible for tomorrow's tie because of the seven-day transfer deadline in the FA Cup. Clitheroe - who have begun their North-West Counties campaign unbeaten - have further strengthened their ranks with the signing of midfielder Lee Rogerson.

"We needed somebody like Lee after losing Andy Rouine. He should get his fair share of goals," said manager Dennis Underwood.

Clitheroe's FA Cup preliminary round tie at Trafford is being recorded by the BBC as part of their "Road to Wembley" series. The FA Cup will also be on display before the game.

CHORLEY goalkeeper Simon Marsh could be called up for tomorrow's Unibond Premier Division trip to Boston United.

Marsh is eligible for selection again after serving a two-match ban.

"I've probably the best two goalkeepers in the Unibond League and it remains to be seen whether he gets back in front of Chris Clarke," said manager Dave Sutton.

"I'm pleased with the start we have made to the season, but I still want to bring in a midfielder and a defender if funds permit." HASLINGDEN bid to continue their unbeaten start to the NWCL season with a tough Division Two assignment at Stantondale.

Gary Rishton (ankle) and Andy Clarke (knee) are the main doubts. They both face late fitness tests.

Manager Steve Parry said: "We've made a reasonably satisfactory start to the season and we're looking to consolidate that progress at Stantondale."

Boosted by taking four points from their first two Unibond League matches, GREAT HARWOOD TOWN should be in good heart for tomorrow's FA Cup preliminary round tie away to North Ferriby United.

Harwood worked on being well organised and giving little away in their pre-season friendlies and that has been the pattern for them in the opening league matches.

Player-manager Martin Eatough, who stepped down at Netherfield on Monday, after appearing in the first game, must decide whether to give himself a recall.

He could also have an injury doubt over Mick Crabbe.

COLNE hope to bounce back from the 4-0 Bank Holiday reversal against Haslingden when they face Bacup Borough in North West Counties' League Division Two action tomorrow at West View.

Manager Keith Mason reports no injuries but David Stirk will serve his last match of a suspension.

"Everything's going to take time and we're under no illusions," said Mason.

"I'll be looking for the same commitment from my players that they've shown all season." DARWEN hit the long road to Wembley tomorrow when they travel to Evenwood Town in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Manager Ian McGarry will have to wait until the last minute before finalising his team with no less than seven players struggling to regain fitness.

Matt Atkinson, Neil Reynolds, Dean McGarry, Mark Walsh, Andy Walsh, Paul Lynch and Harold Sandals are all doubtful.

"We shall have to wait and see how some of the players feel tomorrow," said McGarry.

"But the players who are drafted in won't let us down and we'll battle hard whatever."

NELSON entertain Blackpool Mechanics tomorrow at Jepson Way in North West Counties' League Second Division action.

Midfielder Paul Greenhoff is on stand-by to make his Nelson debut in tomorrow's home game with Blackpool Mechanics.

Manager Nigel Coates is without Neville Roscoe who dislocated his shoulder against Bacup Borough. But defender Glen Little is available again.

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